Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A medical imaging system comprising: an imaging device; an optical head coupled to the imaging device, the optical head comprising a plurality of optical sensors; and a control unit in communication with the optical head, the control unit configured to: receive data from the plurality of optical sensors, determine a subset of optical sensors from the plurality of optical sensors for viewing one or more visible targets based on the received data from the plurality of optical sensors, and instruct the optical head to transmit images from the subset of optical sensors.
A medical imaging system contains an imaging device (like an ultrasound probe), an optical head with multiple optical sensors (cameras) attached to the imaging device, and a control unit. The control unit receives data from all the optical sensors. Based on this data, it determines which subset of sensors has the best view of visible targets (instruments, the patient, etc.). The control unit then tells the optical head to only transmit images from that selected subset of sensors. This optimizes image data transmission and processing by focusing on the relevant views.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more visible targets include at least one of: one or more instruments, an environment, a patient, or a handheld device.
The medical imaging system described previously, which includes an imaging device, an optical head with multiple optical sensors, and a control unit that selects a subset of sensors for viewing visible targets, is specifically designed to image one or more of the following visible targets: surgical instruments being used, the surrounding environment in the operating room, the patient undergoing the procedure, or a handheld device (like a tablet displaying additional information). The system dynamically adjusts image acquisition based on which of these targets needs to be viewed.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the imaging device is an ultrasound probe.
The medical imaging system, which includes an imaging device, an optical head with multiple optical sensors, and a control unit that selects a subset of sensors for viewing visible targets, is further specified such that the imaging device is an ultrasound probe. The optical head and its sensors provide visual context to the ultrasound images, improving guidance and navigation during medical procedures. The combination of ultrasound and optical tracking enhances overall imaging capabilities.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprises at least three cameras.
The medical imaging system, including an imaging device, an optical head with multiple optical sensors, and a control unit that selects a subset of sensors for viewing visible targets, utilizes an optical head that contains at least three cameras as the plurality of optical sensors. Using at least three cameras allows for stereoscopic vision or triangulation techniques to determine the position and orientation of the visible targets with greater accuracy.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the control unit: detects when one or more optical sensors from the subset of optical sensors is occluded or oriented in a direction away from one or more of the visible targets; and determines a second subset of optical sensors from the plurality of optical sensors for viewing of one or more of the visible targets based on the received data from the plurality of optical sensors.
In the medical imaging system containing an imaging device, an optical head with multiple optical sensors, and a control unit that selects a subset of sensors for viewing visible targets, the control unit also monitors the selected sensors. If a sensor in the subset is blocked (occluded) or pointed away from a visible target, the control unit detects this. It then chooses a *different* subset of sensors that *can* see the target, again based on sensor data. This ensures continuous and unobstructed views of the targets, dynamically adjusting for obstructions or changes in sensor orientation.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the control unit transmits a warning to an operator when the control unit detects that one or more of the subset of optical sensors are occluded from one or more of the visible targets.
The medical imaging system, which includes an imaging device, an optical head with multiple optical sensors, and a control unit that selects a subset of sensors for viewing visible targets, is further enhanced by warning the operator when one or more of the selected optical sensors are blocked (occluded) from seeing one or more of the visible targets. This occlusion detection alerts the operator to reposition the optical head or adjust the viewing angle, ensuring that the imaging system always has a clear view of the targets.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the control unit selects a different subset of optical sensors from the plurality of optical sensors to optimize at least one of: a sampling rate, efficiency, or tracking performance.
The medical imaging system, containing an imaging device, an optical head with multiple optical sensors, and a control unit that selects a subset of sensors for viewing visible targets, is capable of optimizing image capture. The control unit selects a different subset of optical sensors to improve the sampling rate (frequency of image capture), overall efficiency (reducing power consumption or processing load), or the accuracy and responsiveness of tracking the visible targets. This dynamic selection adapts to the specific needs of the imaging task.
8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the control unit queries the subset of optical sensors at a higher bandwidth than optical sensors not in the subset of optical sensors.
In the medical imaging system which uses an imaging device, an optical head with a multiple optical sensors, and a control unit which selects a subset of sensors for viewing visible targets, the control unit communicates with the selected subset of sensors at a higher bandwidth compared to the sensors that are not part of the current subset. This allocates more communication resources to the active sensors, improving the speed and quality of data transmission from those sensors and optimizing system performance.
9. The system of claim 1 , wherein images from two or more optical sensors of the plurality of optical sensors partially overlap providing stereo or multi-sensor observations of one or more features.
The medical imaging system, which contains an imaging device, an optical head with multiple optical sensors, and a control unit that selects a subset of sensors for viewing visible targets, is designed so that images from at least two of the optical sensors partially overlap. This overlap provides stereo vision or multi-sensor observations of features, allowing for depth perception, 3D reconstruction, or improved accuracy in tracking the position and orientation of objects within the imaging field.
10. The system of claim 1 , further comprising: a memory unit in communication with the optical head, the memory unit configured to store at least one of calibration information or usage information for the medical imaging system.
The medical imaging system as described previously which includes an imaging device, an optical head with multiple optical sensors, and a control unit which selects a subset of sensors for viewing visible targets is enhanced with a memory unit in communication with the optical head. The memory unit stores calibration information (parameters to correct for sensor imperfections) and/or usage information (history of sensor usage, performance metrics) for the medical imaging system, helping optimize system performance and track wear or degradation over time.
11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the optical head is attachable on and detachable from the imaging device.
The medical imaging system previously described with the imaging device, an optical head with multiple optical sensors, and a control unit is designed so the optical head can be easily attached to and detached from the imaging device. The detachable design provides flexibility, allowing the optical head to be used with different imaging devices or to be removed for maintenance or upgrades.
12. An optical tracking device comprising: a housing configured to be attachable to an ultrasound probe; a printed circuit board (PCB) housed in the housing; and a plurality of optical sensors coupled to the PCB, the plurality of optical sensors configured to transmit a plurality of images to a control unit, the plurality of optical sensors configured to receive instructions from the control unit, the instructions including configuration data to adjust bandwidth for communication between the plurality of optical sensors and the controller.
An optical tracking device includes a housing designed to attach to an ultrasound probe. Inside the housing is a printed circuit board (PCB) that holds multiple optical sensors (cameras). These sensors send images to a control unit and receive instructions back. These instructions include configuration data that adjusts the communication bandwidth between the sensors and the control unit, optimizing data transfer based on the tracking needs.
13. The optical tracking device of claim 12 , wherein the housing is one of crescent-shaped or torus-shaped and the PCB is crescent-shaped, when the housing is crescent-shaped, or torus-shaped, when the housing is torus-shaped.
The optical tracking device, which includes a housing attachable to an ultrasound probe, a PCB, and multiple optical sensors with adjustable bandwidth, is designed with a housing that is either crescent-shaped or torus-shaped. If the housing is crescent-shaped, the PCB is also crescent-shaped; if the housing is torus-shaped, the PCB is also torus-shaped. This matching shape allows the tracking device to fit securely and ergonomically on the ultrasound probe.
14. The optical tracking device of claim 12 , further comprising: a plurality of infrared LEDs.
The optical tracking device, which includes a housing attachable to an ultrasound probe, a PCB, multiple optical sensors with adjustable bandwidth, is further enhanced with a set of infrared LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). These infrared LEDs provide illumination for the optical sensors, especially in low-light conditions, improving the accuracy and robustness of the tracking system.
15. The optical tracking device of claim 12 , further comprising: a memory device storing at least one of calibration data or usage data.
The optical tracking device, including a housing attachable to an ultrasound probe, a PCB, and multiple optical sensors with adjustable bandwidth, incorporates a memory device. This memory stores calibration data (used to correct sensor imperfections) and/or usage data (information about how the device is being used), enabling improved accuracy and performance monitoring.
16. The optical tracking device of claim 12 , further comprising: a haptic feedback device coupled to the housing.
The optical tracking device described above, with its housing attachable to an ultrasound probe, PCB, and adjustable bandwidth optical sensors, includes a haptic feedback device connected to the housing. The haptic feedback device provides tactile sensations to the user, indicating events such as successful target acquisition, proximity warnings, or system status changes, enhancing user interaction and control.
17. The optical tracking device of claim 12 , wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprises at least three cameras.
The optical tracking device, including a housing attachable to an ultrasound probe, a PCB, and multiple optical sensors with adjustable bandwidth, uses at least three cameras as its set of optical sensors. Using at least three cameras allows for stereoscopic vision or triangulation techniques to determine the position and orientation of the tracked objects with greater accuracy.
18. The optical tracking device of claim 12 , wherein the plurality of optical sensors are spaced evenly apart.
In the optical tracking device with the housing to attach to an ultrasound, a PCB and optical sensors, the multiple optical sensors are spaced evenly apart. This even spacing allows for maximum coverage of the tracking area and minimizes blind spots, improving the overall accuracy and reliability of the tracking system.
19. An imaging device comprising: an imaging probe comprising an imaging sensor and a handle; an optical head assembly configured to be attachable and detachable to the handle of the imaging probe; and a plurality of optical sensors coupled to the optical head assembly, wherein the plurality of optical sensors are in communication with a control unit, the control unit configured to: receive image data from the plurality of optical sensors, determine a subset of optical sensors from the plurality of optical sensors for viewing one or more visible targets, and transmit instructions including configuration data to adjust bandwidth for communication between the plurality of optical sensors and the controller.
An imaging device is made up of an imaging probe including an imaging sensor and handle, and an optical head assembly configured to attach to and detach from the handle of the imaging probe. This device has multiple optical sensors linked to the optical head assembly. The optical sensors are connected to a control unit. The control unit receives image data from these sensors, determines which subset of sensors has the best view of visible targets, and sends instructions, including bandwidth adjustments, back to the sensors.
20. The imaging device of claim 19 , wherein the imaging probe is an ultrasound probe.
The imaging device described above that uses an imaging probe, an optical head and optical sensors is more specifically defined where the imaging probe is an ultrasound probe. The optical sensors on the optical head provide additional visual data, complementing the ultrasound images and potentially improving guidance and navigation during procedures.
21. The imaging device of claim 19 , further comprising: memory coupled to the optical head assembly, the memory configured to store at least one of calibration information or usage information.
The imaging device, with an imaging probe, an optical head assembly configured to be attachable and detachable, and multiple optical sensors, also includes memory. The memory is coupled to the optical head assembly and stores calibration data to enhance the accuracy of the sensors and usage information for performance tracking and diagnostics.
22. The imaging device of claim 19 , wherein the optical head assembly wraps around the handle of the imaging probe and the handle of the imaging probe is configured to accept a physical coupling with the optical head assembly.
The imaging device, which has an imaging probe, an optical head assembly which connects and detaches, and multiple optical sensors, has an optical head assembly that wraps around the handle of the imaging probe. The handle is specifically designed to physically connect with the optical head assembly, ensuring a secure and stable attachment for accurate tracking and imaging.
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December 19, 2017
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